Pledge for Babies in Wales: New call to put babies’ needs and voices at the heart of every decision

Swansea University and Children in Wales have launched a new initiative aimed at highlighting and protecting the needs of babies.

The Pledge for Babies in Wales, unveiled at this year’s  Children’s Rights in Early Years (CREY) Network  conference, calls on all individuals, professionals, and organisations involved in the lives of babies to commit to acknowledging their distinct needs, experiences, and perspectives in every decision that affects them.

It has been developed to highlight the perspective of the baby, providing an opportunity for all those caring for and working with babies and their families to recognise, value and respond to the voices and needs of babies.

Led by Dr Jacky Tyrie, from Swansea University’s School of Social Science, and Anna Westall, from Children in Wales,  it was funded jointly by Swansea University IAA Fund and by Children in Wales.

The pledge was co-produced by the CREY Network, with consultation with professionals, parents /carergivers and their babies. An expert steering group also advised and guided the consultation and development process.

Guided by the CREY Network, the development process included two rounds of consultation, ensuring the pledge truly reflects what matters most to babies and to those who support them. It encourages adults to listen to babies in everyday interactions, in care settings, and when making broader service and policy decisions.

The pledge recognises the role of communities in supporting families and the importance of supporting adults to meet babies’ needs. The team behind it say the launch marks the beginning of a wider campaign to embed the voice of the baby in policy and practice across Wales.

The Welsh Minister for Children and Care Dawn Bowden, who attended the conference, highlighted the importance of the rights of young children and the Network’s work.

This first stage invites everyone – from parents and carers to practitioners and decision-makers – to affirm their commitment to putting babies at the heart of decisions.

Read the pledge and find out more

Caption: From left Lauren Henderson (Swansea University), Dr Liz Gregory (Parent Infant Foundation), Dr Jacky Tyrie (Swansea University), Anna Westall (Children in Wales), Sarah Witcombe-Hayes (NSPCC), and Tina Taylor (Carmarthenshire County Council).